Enterprise Risk Senior Specialist, Ireland

Provides strategic and tactical support for the global counterparty risk management program through the design, implementation, and governance of effective counterparty risk management strategies.

Enterprise Risk Senior Specialist

Vanguard Ireland (Dublin)

2nd Line of Defence – Risks and Controls

Hybrid working

Role Purpose

Vanguard is hiring an enterprise risk senior specialist to support the growth of the enterprise risk management (ERM) team in the region. The role will support the Head of Risk, Ireland and work closely with enterprise risk teams across Ireland, the UK, and Continental Europe to develop and implement the enterprise risk management framework. Supporting Vanguard’s ambitious growth strategy for the region, the successful candidate should have a track record of delivering tangible outcomes and will be expected to build a network of local, regional and global stakeholders.

The successful candidate will have a commercial, solution-focused, and growth-oriented mindset, as well as a strong appreciation for materiality and how this aligns with the firm’s risk appetite and regulatory obligations. The breadth of the role will include advisory support, governance, risk oversight and assurance activities. You will work alongside first and second line risk, compliance, control, and governance colleagues to develop and implement effective risk mitigation strategies, aligned to Vanguard Europe’s enterprise risk management and control framework standards.

The successful candidate will also be expected to lead strategic initiatives for the European ERM team, working closely with the Europe CRO and Head of Enterprise Risk, Europe.

Key Responsibilities

• Execute and continuously enhance core ERM framework components, including risk identification, assessment, monitoring, reporting, and escalation.
• Ensure the enterprise risk management framework is embedded within governance structures, business processes, and decision‑making forums.
• Provide independent second line oversight and effective challenge of key operational and enterprise risks across the region and relevant legal entities.
• Act as a trusted risk adviser to senior stakeholders across all 3 lines of defence, influencing outcomes through expertise, judgement, and insight.
• Support key regulatory obligations, with a strong awareness and working knowledge of key regulatory frameworks, including UCITS, MiFID, DORA and associated Central Bank guidance.
• Produce high‑quality, decision‑useful risk reporting for senior management, governance committees, and Boards, including dashboards, thematic analysis, and emerging risk insights.
• Support maintenance and evolution of risk and control inventories within Vanguard’s GRC tools, ensuring clarity, consistency, and alignment to standards.
• Act as a senior contributor to European and Global ERM initiatives, projects, and continuous improvement activities.

Experience & Qualifications

• Strong experience in risk management within financial services, with strong hands‑on expertise in operational and enterprise risk. Asset management experience preferred, but applications from consulting or banking backgrounds are also encouraged.
• Strong understanding of UCITS and MiFID operating models, including business processes, delegate oversight and governance structures
• Demonstrated ability to operate at Head of Risk‑equivalent standard in judgement, influence, and regulatory credibility. Experience of regulatory engagement preferred.
• Experience designing, embedding, or overseeing ERM frameworks and senior‑level risk reporting.
• Proven track record of delivering large-scale control transformation and improvement programmes, including change management and embedding sustainable practices.
• Demonstrable experience managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced and ambiguous environment.
• Leadership experience preferred.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical capability and sound risk judgement.
• Clear and concise written and verbal communication.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders through expertise and constructive challenge.
• Comfortable operating autonomously in a complex, matrixed environment.
• High standards of professionalism, accountability, and attention to detail.

How We Work

Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members, designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in-person learning, collaboration, and connection. We believe our mission-driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long-term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience.